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The Church's position on abuse

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:32:42 GMT

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	<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>		<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>
			{{Summary1}} Abuse is not tolerated with the church. Certain cases can lead to the perpetrator having annotated notes on membership records, calling restrictions, excommunication, or other measures of discipline.
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The Church's position on abuse

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:25:11 GMT

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	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__

	~~{{Header}}~~		<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>

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Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:20:07 GMT

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	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

	~~{{Summary1}} The position of~~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on abuse ~~is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form~~. ~~Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate~~ the ~~laws of God and man. . . . When abuse occurs,~~ the ~~first and immediate responsibility of~~ Church ~~leaders is~~ to ~~help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future~~ abuse~~."<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/~~general~~-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse~~,~~"] General Handbook: Serving~~ in ~~The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022)~~.~~</ref>~~		The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. Click the links below for answers to questions about the Church's approach to abuse in general, as well as its response to abuse in specific cases.

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	<i>General Principles</i>		<i>General Principles</i>

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	*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]		*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]
	*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]		*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]


	~~<embedvideo service="youtube">MFIwlp-1_AE</embedvideo>~~

	~~{{endnotes sources}}~~

Events surrounding the death of Joseph Smith

TrevorHolyoak — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:59:16 GMT

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	<embedvideo service="youtube">v=VhjZ3udYv1c&t</embedvideo>{{blankline}}		<embedvideo service="youtube">v=VhjZ3udYv1c&t</embedvideo>{{blankline}}

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SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:58:31 GMT

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			<pdf width="800" height="1090">File:Ion_of_scripture_in_early_christianity_163_204_8067a2c6c3.pdf</pdf>

User:Rcahoon

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:57:00 GMT

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	[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]

			[[The Church's position on abuse]] (Summarize/key-takeaways)

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SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:56:26 GMT

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User:SpencerMarsh

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:56:14 GMT

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	* [[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		* [[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]
	* [[The Great Apostasy]]		* [[The Great Apostasy]]
			* [[PDF Sandbox]]

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File:Ion of scripture in early christianity 163 204 8067a2c6c3.pdf

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The Church's position on abuse

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:42:55 GMT

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	~~{{Main Page}}~~		<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Abuse</span></small>
	~~{{Navigation~~:Abuse}}
			__NOTOC__

	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

	==The Church has a no-tolerance stance toward abuse==		----
	The Church's handbooks emphasize that one purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent, especially against such crimes as predatory sexual behavior:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===The Church has a no-tolerance stance toward abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = The Church's handbooks emphasize that one purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent, especially against such crimes as predatory sexual behavior:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
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	Victims of the evil acts of others are not guilty of sin. Church leaders should be sensitive to such victims and give caring attention to help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse. (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)		Victims of the evil acts of others are not guilty of sin. Church leaders should be sensitive to such victims and give caring attention to help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse. (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing==		{{CollapseHeaders
	#Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service.		\| title = ===Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = #Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service.
	#Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Church encourages them to seek help, and to receive the healing available to all through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.		#Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Church encourages them to seek help, and to receive the healing available to all through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
			}}

	==Help for victims of abuse==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Those who have been the victims of the unrighteous acts of others are not guilty of any sin. Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ can heal all suffering, injustices, and traumas through Christ's grace. Many articles and resources are available, and members with such concerns are encouraged to consult with their local leaders.		\| title = ===Help for victims of abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Those who have been the victims of the unrighteous acts of others are not guilty of any sin. Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ can heal all suffering, injustices, and traumas through Christ's grace. Many articles and resources are available, and members with such concerns are encouraged to consult with their local leaders.

	One guide for bishops begins:		One guide for bishops begins:
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	Abuse includes the physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual mistreatment of others. The first responsibility of the Church is to help those who have been abused in a kind and sensitive way and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse. Abuse not only harms the body, but also deeply affects the mind and spirit. It often destroys faith and always causes confusion, doubt, mistrust, guilt, and fear. Help the member understand that he or she is not responsible for the abuser’s behavior and that faith can be regained or strengthened and hope and healing can come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.<ref>''[http://providentliving.org/bishops-guide/abuse-victim Bishop's Guide: Helping Victims of Abuse]'' (on-line, accessed 8 January 2013).</ref>		Abuse includes the physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual mistreatment of others. The first responsibility of the Church is to help those who have been abused in a kind and sensitive way and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse. Abuse not only harms the body, but also deeply affects the mind and spirit. It often destroys faith and always causes confusion, doubt, mistrust, guilt, and fear. Help the member understand that he or she is not responsible for the abuser’s behavior and that faith can be regained or strengthened and hope and healing can come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.<ref>''[http://providentliving.org/bishops-guide/abuse-victim Bishop's Guide: Helping Victims of Abuse]'' (on-line, accessed 8 January 2013).</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Mandatory discipline for the perpetrator of the abuse==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Church disciplinary action is ''required'' for a small set of sins, such as murder. Sexual abuse and incest are included in this group:		\| title = ===Mandatory discipline for the perpetrator of the abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Church disciplinary action is ''required'' for a small set of sins, such as murder. Sexual abuse and incest are included in this group:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
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	A disciplinary council must be held for a member who commits a serious transgression that shows him to be a predator with tendencies that present any kind of serious threat to other persons.(Handbook 1 [2010], 6.7.3, {{io}}		A disciplinary council must be held for a member who commits a serious transgression that shows him to be a predator with tendencies that present any kind of serious threat to other persons.(Handbook 1 [2010], 6.7.3, {{io}}
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Results of discipline==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Incest virtually always requires excommunication from the Church:		\| title = ===Results of discipline===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Incest virtually always requires excommunication from the Church:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	==Return to Church membership==		}}
	The First Presidency must approve any restoration of Church membership for those guilty of particularly serious sins, including:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===Return to Church membership===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = The First Presidency must approve any restoration of Church membership for those guilty of particularly serious sins, including:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	...		...
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	==Flagging Church membership records==		}}
	Those guilty of abuse of a child and other serious sins which place others at risk have their Church records annotated, and this annotation remains on the record permanently (even in the event of reinstatement in the Church). Only the First Presidency can authorize the removal of such an annotation:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===Flagging Church membership records===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Those guilty of abuse of a child and other serious sins which place others at risk have their Church records annotated, and this annotation remains on the record permanently (even in the event of reinstatement in the Church). Only the First Presidency can authorize the removal of such an annotation:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	incest, sexual offense against or serious physical abuse of a child,...predatory conduct.... (Handbook 1 [2010], 6.13.4)		incest, sexual offense against or serious physical abuse of a child,...predatory conduct.... (Handbook 1 [2010], 6.13.4)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Abusers ~~are~~ have lifetime ineligiblity for some callings and assignments in the Church==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Even if they repent and return to full time activity in the Church, those who commit some crimes are ineligible for some types of Church service. These include:		\| title = ===Abusers have lifetime ineligiblity for some callings and assignments in the Church===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Even if they repent and return to full time activity in the Church, those who commit some crimes are ineligible for some types of Church service. These include:

	Temple ordinance workers must:		Temple ordinance workers must:
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	A person whose membership record is annotated for having abused a child sexually or physically must not be given any calling or assignment involving children or youth. Also, careful consideration should be given to other assignments, such as home teaching or visiting teaching. These restrictions should remain in place until the First Presidency authorizes removal of the annotation. ... (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)		A person whose membership record is annotated for having abused a child sexually or physically must not be given any calling or assignment involving children or youth. Also, careful consideration should be given to other assignments, such as home teaching or visiting teaching. These restrictions should remain in place until the First Presidency authorizes removal of the annotation. ... (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}



	{{To learn more box:abuse}}		{{To learn more box:abuse}}

Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:52:38 GMT

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	{{Main Page}}		< <small>[[Main Page\|<i>'''Back to FAIR Answers Index'''</i>]]</small>

			{{Header}}

			{{Summary1}} The position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on abuse is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form. Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate the laws of God and man. . . . When abuse occurs, the first and immediate responsibility of Church leaders is to help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future abuse."<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse,"] General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022).</ref>

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			<i>General Principles</i>

	~~{{Header}}~~

	The position ~~of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints~~ on abuse ~~is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form. Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate the laws~~ of ~~God and man. . . . When~~ abuse ~~occurs, the first~~ and ~~immediate responsibility~~ of ~~Church leaders is to help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future~~ abuse."<~~ref~~>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse,"] General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022).</~~ref~~>		*[[The Church's position on abuse]]
			*[[Bishop interviews with youth]]
			*[[Mandatory reporting of abuse]]
			*[[Abuse victims and lack of culpability]]
			*[[Child abuse in the scriptures]]

			<i>Specific Cases</i>

	~~'''To view articles about~~ abuse ~~and the Church, click "Expand"~~ in the ~~blue bar:'''~~		*[[Ritual child abuse accusations in the 1990s]]
	~~{{Navigation:~~Abuse}}		*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]
			*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]

User:Rcahoon

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:26:43 GMT

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